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Introduction The 2019 coronavirus pandemic has taken a toll on our society. Although most patients report minimal symptoms, a small proportion of patients have reported significant respiratory symptoms that led to admission to the inpatient medical ward or even the intensive care unit. Complications and long-term sequela of COVID-19 are still being reported and studied. The presence of cardiomyopathy, whether established or new-onset and its effect on inpatient mortality, admission to the intensive care unit or length of stay hasn't been studied. Methods All inpatient hospitalizations in our database between March 1, 2020, and April 30, 2020, due to COVID-19 were reviewed. Patients who had at least a limited echocardiogram during this time were included in the study if they were above the age of 18. Patients were then assigned to three groups. The first group had patients with normal left ventricular systolic function. The second group had established cardiomyopathy that persisted throughout admission. The third group had patients who were found to have new-onset cardiomyopathy during admission. Results The inpatient mortality, although high and variable, wasn't significantly different between the three groups. Also, there was no significant difference between admission to the intensive care unit, disposition at discharge, or oxygenation status at 24 hours between the three groups. The length of stay in the established cardiomyopathy group was markedly lower, and we suspect that could be due to more aggressive discussions about end-of-life care. Conclusion Early COVID-19 experience at our center revealed a relatively high mortality rate that was primarily due to respiratory failure. The presence of established or new cardiomyopathy didn't appear to alter the outcomes significantly early in the pandemic.
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Research documenting the impact of COVID-19 on Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (2SLGBTQ+) populations in Canada is limited. Our objectives were to investigate the impact of COVID-19 lockdown measures on the lives of trans, nonbinary, and other gender nonconforming (TGNC) people. Engage COVID-19 is a mixed methods study examining the impact of COVID-19 on gay, bisexual, queer, and other men who have sex with men (GBQM) living in Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal, Canada. Using purposive sampling, we conducted in-depth qualitative interviews (between November 2020-February 2021 and June-October 2021) with 93 participants who discussed the impact of COVID-19 on their lives. Seventeen participants were identiAed as TGNC. TGNC participants reported barriers to trans healthcare during the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Several participants indicated that some public health interventions during COVID-19 (i.e., lockdowns) eased the pressure to "perform" gender due to fewer in-person interactions. During lockdowns, TGNC participants increasingly cultivated community networks online. Nevertheless, participants reported longing for the social support that was available to them during pre-COVID. Lack of access to community spaces during lockdowns had a negative impact on participants' mental health, despite reduced pressure to perform gender and opportunities for social engagement in online spaces.
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Meta-analyses suggest that student learning outcomes (SLOs) are comparable across modalities of instruction. None of these studies examined how unmet student expectations (here, unexpected changes in course delivery) might increase perceptions of student-instructor-university psychological contract breaches (PCBs) and, ultimately, perceived SLOs within and across modalities. The COVID-19 pandemic provided an opportunity to study these potential relationships because many residential institutions of higher education opted into, or were required to, offer distance and/or blended learning to accommodate COVID-19 safety mandates. This study sampled undergraduate students (n = 155) from a university, which, before the pandemic, offered exclusively face-to-face classroom instruction. During the Fall 2020 semester, however, this university offered three modalities of instruction: (1) face-to-face; (2) blended learning; and (3) distance education. The results of this study suggest that perceived PCBs by instructors and universities negatively influence underling indices of student achievement in terms of motivation, engagement, and learning within and across modalities of instruction. Given this and near universal decrements in student enrollment and retention in institutions of higher education, it is important for universities and instructors to understand, explicitly and transparently negotiate, and meet student expectations to improve student progression to graduation and maintain competitiveness among similar institutions.
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We enrolled arriving international air travelers in SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance, using molecular testing of pooled nasal swabs, and sequencing positive samples for viral sublineage. Traveler-based genomic surveillance provided early warning variant detection; we reported the first U.S. Omicron BA.2 and first BA.3 in North America, weeks before next reported detection.
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This paper is an examination of learner readiness to engage in non-traditional modes of schooling, such as online or distance learning, in which the overall interest lies in ensuring the access of Filipino students to quality education even during this pandemic. The specific goal is to gauge and investigate material, psychological, and home environment readiness among incoming and incumbent college students in the Philippines. The findings were drawn from 512 survey respondents whose answers were collected online. Among others, results reveal that majority of our respondents own computer devices and have access to the internet but are not confident about the service integrity of their internet connection. Most respondents also expressed that virtual classes are less motivating due to absence of physical connection to teachers and schoolmates, which could negatively impact the learning experience. They also voiced out reservations on the conduciveness of their home environment for online learning. We argue that it is only through paying attention to learner readiness that decision-makers can safeguard education as an accessible right to all.
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Background The data is sparse on the uptake of preventative vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic in the pregnant population. Our goal was to determine if the COVID-19 pandemic affected the rate of influenza and tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (TDAP) vaccination in a predominantly African American pregnant population. Methods This retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study compared the influenza vaccination rates of pregnant women 18 years and older between the pre-COVID influenza season (September 1, 2019 to March 1, 2020) and the COVID influenza season (September 1, 2020 to March 1, 2021). Results The influenza vaccination rate was statistically significant with a rise from 51.9% pre-pandemic to 72.4% post-pandemic (unadjusted odds ratio (OR) 2.437; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.64- 3.62; p=0.001). The TDAP vaccination rates remained consistent from the pre-pandemic rate of 65.6% to the pandemic rate of 68.6% (p=0.435). Conclusion We concluded that the pandemic had a positive impact on influenza vaccination rates in the pregnant population.
ABSTRACT
Meta‐analyses suggest that student learning outcomes (SLOs) are comparable across modalities of instruction. None of these studies examined how unmet student expectations (here, unexpected changes in course delivery) might increase perceptions of student–instructor‐university psychological contract breaches (PCBs) and, ultimately, perceived SLOs within and across modalities. The COVID‐19 pandemic provided an opportunity to study these potential relationships because many residential institutions of higher education opted into, or were required to, offer distance and/or blended learning to accommodate COVID‐19 safety mandates. This study sampled undergraduate students (n = 155) from a university, which, before the pandemic, offered exclusively face‐to‐face classroom instruction. During the Fall 2020 semester, however, this university offered three modalities of instruction: (1) face‐to‐face;(2) blended learning;and (3) distance education. The results of this study suggest that perceived PCBs by instructors and universities negatively influence underling indices of student achievement in terms of motivation, engagement, and learning within and across modalities of instruction. Given this and near universal decrements in student enrollment and retention in institutions of higher education, it is important for universities and instructors to understand, explicitly and transparently negotiate, and meet student expectations to improve student progression to graduation and maintain competitiveness among similar institutions. Highlights The first study to examine the extent to which unexpected pivots to distance and blended learning impact student perceptions of their learning experiences through the lens of the psychological contract theory. Study results reveal interesting and consistent trends, indicating that psychological contracts, or breaches thereof, do play a part in determining whether students may prefer and be more motivated and engaged in one modality of instruction over another. Perceived psychological contract breaches on the part of instructors who taught via a specific learning modality (F2F, distance, or blended) were related to (1) generally preferring the other two modalities over that modality;and (2) lower levels of motivation, engagement, and learning within that modality as compared to the other two. Results suggest that when courses were offered in the expected format (i.e., F2F), then any unmet expectations were attributed to the instructor. But in those courses that were offered in alternative formats (i.e., distance or blended), then blame was shared by the university and instructors of record.
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This study explored how response to COVID-19, especially the implementation of mitigation measures, might have impacted on food safety in East Africa. The work was implemented in the framework of an ongoing food safety project in East Africa that was being led by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI). Data were collected in November and December 2020 through telephone and online interviews and using a short guide developed by the project. Food safety experts (n = 25) based in countries within East Africa and who had engaged with ILRI in previous projects were asked to participate in the study. In terms of impact, livestock was ranked as the most affected value chain (60%;15/25), followed by vegetables and fruits (32%) and finally fish (8%). For livestock products, meat (62%), dairy (38%) and poultry (12%) were the most affected by the pandemic. The cereals value chain was perceived to be the least affected (68%). As regards to regulation, staff were few and had to work in shifts. Market surveillance programs were also affected. Food safety concerns associated with bulk purchases (aflatoxins, access to expired products etc.) were reported. Gaps in the implementation of the One Health approach were observed. COVID-19 has significantly impacted food systems, not only in terms of production and access but also in terms of quality and safety of available food products. Interventions to address future pandemics will need to consider the negative impacts arising from enforcement of measures to mitigate diseases of public health importance. A One Health approach would facilitate this.
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We enrolled arriving international air travelers in SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance, using molecular testing of pooled nasal swabs, and sequencing positive samples for viral lineage. Traveler-based genomic surveillance provided early warning variant detection; we reported the first U.S. Omicron BA.2 and first BA.3 in North America, weeks before next reported detection.
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BackgroundGetCheckedOnline is an internet-based testing program for HIV, Hepatitis C, and other sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) in British Columbia (BC), Canada. The program launched in 2014 in Vancouver, BC’s largest urban centre, and expanded to six smaller urban and suburban BC communities in 2016. We sought to measure GetCheckedOnline awareness among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM), and to identify characteristics that may contribute to program awareness.MethodsSex Now was a cross-sectional online health survey of Canadian gbMSM aged ≥15 years recruited from 10/2019–02/2020. BC residents were asked if they knew about GetCheckedOnline and additional questions related to implementation outcomes. We built a multivariable logistic regression model including all variables significant in univariate analysis to quantify associations with awareness, and report adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (AOR [95%CI]).ResultsAmong participants living in regions where GetCheckedOnline is available (n=1132, median age: 36 years), 38.1% were aware of GetCheckedOnline. Greater GetCheckedOnline awareness was associated with living outside of Vancouver (AOR=2.15 [1.50–3.10]), identifying as queer (AOR=1.58 [1.13–2.21]), having post-graduate education (AOR=1.84 [1.17–2.91]), being out to healthcare providers (AOR=1.97 [1.22–3.24]), using ≥3 geolocation-based sex-seeking apps (AOR=2.15 [1.40–3.33]), and past-year involvement in LGBTQ2S+-specific activities (AOR=1.56 [1.10–2.23]). Awareness decreased with increasing years of age (AOR=0.98 [0.97–1.00]). Compared with participants who usually tested for STIs at a sexual health clinic, awareness was lower among participants who usually tested for STIs through their family doctor (AOR=0.50 [0.33–0.73]) or at walk-in medical clinics (AOR=0.54 [0.30–0.96]), and among those who had never tested for STIs previously (AOR=0.17 [0.06–0.39]).ConclusionAlmost 40% of gbMSM in our sample were aware of GetCheckedOnline. Increasing promotion to gbMSM who are not out to their healthcare provider, who have never tested previously for STIs, or who are less connected to LGBTQ2S+ communities may improve program reach.
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The world is facing a broad range of challenges related to agriculture, and particularly the livestock sector, including threats to productivity, the natural environment and human health. While much research has been conducted into potential risks and their drivers, the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated how governments can be affected by shocks that are to some extent predictable but for which they are often ill prepared. Policy seeks to anticipate and also influence the future and, as policy-makers, national Veterinary Services have an important role in both anticipating and influencing the future of their countries and the world. In the first part of this paper, the author summarises a wide range of Foresight methodologies and tools relevant to, or used by, Veterinary Services or veterinary researchers. This discussion is followed by an example of the adaptation and application of a Foresight framework tailored specifically to Veterinary Services. Finally, the author draws conclusions on Foresight methodologies useful to Veterinary Services.
Le monde est confronté à un large éventail de défis en lien avec l'agriculture et plus particulièrement avec le secteur de l'élevage, parmi lesquels figurent les menaces pesant sur la productivité, l'environnement naturel et la santé humaine. Alors même que maints travaux de recherches ont été menés sur les risques potentiels et leurs facteurs déterminants, la pandémie de COVID-19 de 2020 a montré que les gouvernements peuvent être atteints par des chocs qui sont, jusqu'à un certain point, prévisibles, mais auxquels ils sont souvent mal préparés. La politique cherche à anticiper et à influencer l'avenir ; en tant que responsables des politiques à mener, les Services vétérinaires nationaux jouent un rôle majeur aussi bien pour anticiper l'avenir de leur pays et du monde que pour y influer. Dans une première partie, l'auteure décrit brièvement les diverses méthodes et outils de prospective utilisés par les Services vétérinaires ou les chercheurs du secteur vétérinaire, ou qui présentent un intérêt pour eux. Elle examine ensuite l'exemple d'un cadre de prospective qui a été adapté et appliqué dans le but de répondre spécifiquement aux besoins des Services vétérinaires. Enfin, elle tire des conclusions sur les méthodes de prospective les plus utiles pour les Services vétérinaires.
El mundo hace frente a un rosario de problemas ligados a la agricultura, y en especial al sector ganadero, entre ellos las amenazas que pesan sobre la productividad, el medio natural y la salud humana. Aunque se ha investigado mucho sobre los posibles riesgos y sus condicionantes, la pandemia de COVID-19 de 2020 puso de relieve cuán afectados pueden verse los gobiernos por choques hasta cierto punto predecibles, pero para los cuales suelen estar mal preparados. Las políticas tienen por objetivo anticipar el futuro y también influir en él. Los Servicios Veterinarios nacionales, como artífices que son de ciertas políticas, cumplen una importante función a la hora de prever y orientar el futuro de su país y del mundo. En la primera parte del artículo, la autora resume toda una serie de métodos y herramientas de prospectiva que emplean los Servicios Veterinarios o los investigadores en veterinaria o que revisten interés para ellos. A continuación presenta un ejemplo de adaptación y aplicación de un marco de prospectiva concebido específicamente para los Servicios Veterinarios. Por último, extrae conclusiones sobre los métodos de prospectiva que son de utilidad para los Servicios Veterinarios.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Veterinary Medicine , Agriculture , Animals , COVID-19/veterinary , Humans , Livestock , Pandemics , SARS-CoV-2ABSTRACT
BackgroundIn response to the COVID-19 pandemic, sexual health services have started to implement alternative service delivery methods that reduce in-person contact (e.g., telemedicine, virtual health). We sought to understand acceptability of alternative service delivery methods among sexual health service clients in BC, Canada.MethodsWe used data from an online anonymous survey administered from 21/07/2020–04/08/2020 to clients (aged ≥16 years) who had used the BC Centre for Disease Control’s sexually-transmitted infection (STI) clinic and/or the GetCheckedOnline testing service in the year prior to COVID-19 public health responses (03/2020). We described participants’ likelihood of using potential alternative sexual health service delivery methods, and conducted bivariate analysis to examine its association with experiencing any sexual health service access barriers during the pandemic.ResultsOf the 1198 survey participants (aged 17–76 years), 48% identified as men, 47% as women, and 5% as another gender;71% identified as White, 24% as racialized minorities, and 4% as Indigenous. Overall, support for using alternative STI testing models was high, with 88% likely to use at-home self-collection kits and 79% likely to use an express testing model (i.e., phone/video triage prior to specimen collection at a clinic). More participants were likely to discuss sexual health with a healthcare provider over the phone (64%), compared with video visits (53%) and text (49%). Text messaging to receive STI test results and reminders were of high interest (71% and 63% likely to use, respectively). Likelihood of using alternative service delivery methods did not differ by participants’ experience of access barriers, where 66% of total participants reported having avoided/delayed seeking services during 03/2020–07/2020.ConclusionLikelihood of using potential alternative sexual health service delivery methods was high overall, including among participants who did not avoid/delay seeking services. Sustaining and expanding such services would facilitate access during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.
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BackgroundThe COVID-19-pandemic impacts on sexual health services access have not been fully examined. We sought to describe characteristics associated with unmet sexual health needs and access barriers during the initial pandemic phases in BC, Canada.MethodsAn anonymous online survey about sexual health service needs and access was administered from July 21-August 4, 2020 to clients ≥ 16 years old who had visited the BC Centre for Disease Control’s sexually transmitted infections (STI) clinic and/or GetCheckedOnline testing service in the year prior to March 2020. Using logistic regression, we reported univariate odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals [95% CI] for characteristics associated with unmet sexual health needs (i.e., not accessing needed services) during March–July 2020.ResultsOf 1198 respondents, 59% (n=706;median age: 32 years, 71% White, 47% women, 27% men having sex with men only (MSM)) reported needing sexual health services since March 2020, of which 52% (365/706) did not access needed services. Women (OR=1.37 [1.01–1.86]) were more likely to have unmet sexual health needs, while MSM (OR=0.37 [0.23–0.61]) were less likely to. Participants needing routine STI testing were more likely to report not accessing services (OR=2.49 [1.64–3.79]), whereas those needing birth control (OR=0.48 [0.30–0.75]), HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (OR=0.39 [0.22–0.66]), or treatment for a new STI (OR=0.40 [0.21–0.76]) were less likely to report not accessing services. Most common reasons for avoiding/delaying service access were: concern about getting COVID-19 while at or traveling to a clinic/lab (249/689, 36%), public messaging against seeking non-urgent healthcare (239/689, 35%), and closure of usual place of service (182/689, 26%).ConclusionBC sexual health service clients experienced numerous barriers in accessing needed sexual health services during the initial pandemic phases. Offering alternative service delivery methods and more nuanced public health messaging may help address the identified barriers to improve access.